Suspect mole: please help me prepare GP appointment

[OsloGin]

I have got an appointment with my GP about a suspect mole on my hand. It is not until the end of the week. Due to family history I am trying to keep calm. I really want to insist on a referral. What should I do to get the most out of my appointment? I am not very confident so want to do some prep. The mole itself is small but has started going scabby. I have been so careful with sun protection but keep berating myself for not doing more.

what does your mole look like? Have you looked online at the risk factors for moles? ie irregular border, change in colour, change in size, bleeding, black centre etc?

It may well be an age spot.

Your GP should refer you if they have any doubts at all about it.

Your family history is not really an issue because skin cancer is lifestyle -related, rather than blood related! If all your family is fair skinned and doesn't tan then that is a possible link, but it's sun that causes skin cancer.

You don't need to prepare for much really. Just show him / her your hand and say you want the mole checking out because you are concerned that it could be skin cancer.

Oslo - my DB has just had a second mole removed due to family history - it was quite small but had grown and not totally regular. They have told him they don't think it is anything to worry about at all - just waiting for the results now.

I have had a melanoma. You just need to get your GP to refer you to a dermatologist. If he/she refuses, go see a different GP - but if you make clear that you are worried, and your family history, she/he should refer you. They don't want to be responsible if something is wrong. Good luck!

Thank you. Yes it is irregular in size and has grown and has a new dark bit. I will see if I can get an earlier appointment so I can do something other than freak out.

I have a few seborrhic kerotoses. I keep spotting them on other people, now. They go nicely scabby, itch, flake off, slowly grow, get darker with time. I think they're common enough on hands. They develop with age & are thought to be 100% benign but can be unsightly.

Just saying that plenty of mole-like growths are anything but dangerous. Good luck getting your diagnosis soon.

Thank you so much. I know I need to keep an open mind.

As PP says I have one of these and had it checked out. They are not actually 'moles' with pigmentation from sun.

Thanks. I really hope it is nothing. Will report back!